THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step aboard Bessie, the 21' Duffy Sun Cruiser in Austin, Texas, and enjoy a relaxing private boat ride perfect for up to 10 guests. Experience incredible 360° views, a shaded canopy, and your favorite tunes on the water!
Step aboard Bessie, the 21' Duffy Sun Cruiser in Austin, Texas, and enjoy a relaxing private boat ride perfect for up to 10 guests. Experience incredible 360° views, a shaded canopy, and your favorite tunes on the water!
Book with Retro Boats ATX
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Retro Boats ATX · Austin, Texas
Discover Austin from a unique perspective aboard Bessie, the charming 21-foot Duffy Sun Cruiser offered by Retro Boats ATX. This private boat experience is perfect for groups of up to 10 passengers, combining comfort and scenic views on the water. With a shaded canopy protecting you from the Texas sun and a sundeck for soaking in those warm rays, Bessie is designed for relaxation. Whether you're taking a casual afternoon spin or celebrating a special occasion, the 360° panoramic views of Austin’s waterfront and city skyline provide a stunning backdrop. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to enjoy your favorite soundtrack while gliding gently across the water. For added ease and safety, Retro Boats ATX offers an optional captain, letting you sit back and fully enjoy the moment with friends and family. It’s an ideal way to experience the city’s vibrant lake life at your own pace. Perfect for both locals looking for a fresh weekend getaway and visitors craving an authentic Austin adventure, this boat rental blends leisure, scenic beauty, and social fun in one memorable outing.
easy.
1–3 hours.
Minimal physical exertion is required, suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
Bessie comfortably fits up to 10 passengers on board.
No boating license is required if you hire a captain; otherwise, a valid license may be necessary.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring snacks and beverages, but glass containers are not allowed.
Yes, Bessie features a shaded canopy as well as a sundeck for both shade and sun exposure.
Pets are allowed aboard with prior approval from Retro Boats ATX.
Retro Boats ATX will contact you in case of unsafe weather conditions and offer rescheduling or refunds.
Austin’s waterfront has served as a vital hub for trade and recreation since the city’s founding in the 1830s.
Retro Boats ATX promotes eco-friendly boating practices by using electric-powered boats that reduce water pollution and noise.
Retro Boats ATX operates retro boat rentals and guided cruises on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. The business offers a fleet of vintage 1958 vessels — including Vali IV, Glastron Fireflite, Beeline Sapphire, Lonestar Meteor, Glass Slipper, and the two classic boats Ethel and Trixie — for daily and sunset cruises that showcase the Austin skyline and waterways. Trips accommodate small groups: most retro boats carry up to four passengers, while Blanche, a 21' Duffy Sun Cruiser, seats up to ten and includes 360° views, a shaded canopy, and a sundeck with a captain onboard to navigate. Bookings are captain-led and available as guided or private cruises on Lady Bird Lake; swimming and fishing are not allowed on these experiences. Sunset cruises emphasize city views such as the Congress Avenue Bridge and the downtown skyline, and select boats pass near the urban bat colony beneath the bridge. One rare vessel, Edith, is a 1958 Glass Slipper — one of only twenty ever made — offering a distinctive historic experience. Retro Boats ATX emphasizes safety and authenticity by operating maintained classic boats with experienced captains to provide relaxed, nostalgic outings for families, couples, and small groups. Reservations are accepted online and trips are suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, and small private events focused on relaxed sightseeing and vintage boating.
Book with Retro Boats ATX